Pixel September Android Pie Update: What to Know

Google released its latest monthly September Android update for Nexus and Pixel phones. Only this time it’s Android 9 Pie for the Pixel and Android 8.1 Oreo for Nexus phones. And while these monthly updates are all about security, we do see the occasional bug fix at the same time. This month Google added some quick fixes for Android Pie and a few other things.

With the Pixel and Pixel 2 September Android Pie update rolling out as we speak owners will want to know what to expect. In addition to the latest security, you’ll get a big improvement for Bluetooth, again.

Read: What’s New in Android 9 Pie: Everything to Know

Many Pixel & Nexus owners will get an updated version of Android this week. And remember, older devices like the Nexus 5 and Nexus Player are no longer supported. Instead, the Nexus 5X and 6P are getting Android 8.1 while newer devices are getting a stable version of Android 9 Pie. This is an important update that could affect your device and its performance.

As usual, we’re seeing new security enhancements and multiple critical security patches in September. Then, Google made some minor changes to WiFi, Bluetooth, and charging on most devices, but that’s about it. Being the first update to Pie, we recommend everyone install it right away.

Supported Devices

• Pixel and Pixel XL (Android 9)
• Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL
• Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P (Android Oreo)
• Pixel C Tablet

Pixel September Android Pie Update Details

Google confirmed the update on Tuesday, September 4th, and immediately posted the files for developers to manually install the latest software. That said, easy-over-the-air updates won’t start for a few more days.

Google refreshed the Android security bulletin, as well as the Pixel/Nexus security page with all the details and what to expect. Then, we’ll highlight the important bits below. You can get factory images and install it manually too if you’d like.

So far we’re seeing a small list of changes, and nothing major. Again, this is mostly about security and being better prepared for the future. Typically, there are at least 30+ changes, but this month is very light. As a bonus, that means Google’s doing a good job keeping our smartphones safe.

Before we get into all the changes, we want to suggest you skip manually installing the update. Being such a small software release it’s not worth the risk. Instead, simply wait for Google to send the over-the-air update files to your phone or tablet.

September Android Pie Update Fixes & Patches

Lately, Google is taking monthly updates very seriously. For most of 2018, Google added a slew of bug fixes in with these security updates. Function updates, not just software tweaks. And while we found a bunch of minor patches, it’s the small bug fixes that are important.

Overall, these updates are rather small. Being the first month of Android 9 Pie we expected a little more, including a fix for the OG Pixel charging problem. That said, we are seeing improvements for battery life and audio quality while in cars. Bluetooth remains an issue throughout Android for a lot of people, so hopefully, this addresses that for some people.

Download Nexus & Pixel September Updates

If you’d like to get this newest version of Android for your Nexus or Pixel device now, instead of waiting, you can download or flash it from the links below. Or, read more information about each one of these changes.

1. Download Factory Images
2. Grab OTA Update Files
3. Read the Nexus/Pixel Security Bulletin
4. Read the Android June Security Bulletin

When Will the Update Arrive?

We’re expecting the update within the next 24-48 hours, if not earlier. Google is always fast to deliver updates, or you can manually download and install it yourself as we speak with the links above.

Some users may choose to manually download the files and update to the September Oreo or Pie release themselves. However, we recommend waiting for Google’s OTA update notification to arrive instead. It’s easier that way. I went to Settings > System > System Update > Check for Updates and got it immediately. This pulls the update from Google’s servers to your phone. The entire process took less than 10 minutes. From downloading to installing and rebooting my Pixel XL on Android Pie.

Other Details & What’s Next for Nexus/Pixel Owners?

In closing, expect an update on your Nexus or Pixel device in the coming days if you didn’t get it already. Remember, this only applies to Google’s Nexus and Pixel devices. If you have a phone from Samsung, LG, or Motorola, this doesn’t apply to you.